Baby-faced rapist escapes jail despite attack on 12-year-old girl when he was just 16

A baby-faced rapist has been spared jail, despite admitting a horrifying sex attack on a girl aged just 12.

Charlie Flinders was 16 when he raped the schoolgirl after sending her explicit messages.

Now 18, he was given a two year prison sentence, suspended for two years, after admitting raping the girl, who he knew was underage.

Detective Sergeant Gareth Gent said: “Flinders sent sexually inappropriate messages to a child, knowing she was underage and that his actions were against the law.

“Our enquiries uncovered evidence of Flinders being in sexual communication with his victim around the time of the crime.

“This culminated in the rape of a child and this sentencing means he will now receive the appropriate monitoring and rehabilitation – should he re-offend he faces going to prison.

“His criminal behaviour has undoubtedly contributed to the impact on his victim’s life.”

The rape happened in Rotherham, South Yorks., in 2015 and Flinders pleaded guilty to the offence at an earlier hearing in December last year.

DS Gent added: “Child sexual abuse can have a devastating effect on its victims and I hope that this young girl is now able to move forwards in her recovery with the knowledge that her abuser has been brought to justice.

“If anyone out there is suffering sexual abuse or exploitation, or if you have concerns for a child, please contact the police.”